The assistant principal of Marietta High School recently released his first book, highlighting the breakdown of American morals and how he believes this collapse is a result of Hollywood influence and national media.

Dr. Gregory Taylor, a 22-year veteran of Marietta City Schools, titled his first release “Paradise Lost: The Unraveling of American Morals.”

Born and raised in Laurel, Miss., Taylor is the first African-American Marietta Schools staff member to earn a doctorate. At age 12, he was also the youngest boy in Mississippi history to become an Eagle Scout.

Taylor isn’t afraid to tackle controversial topics in his book. He includes chapters on homosexuality, abortion and race relations. He said he was inspired to write the book through his day-to-day work as an administrator compared to his previous work more than two decades ago, where he taught in the college of education at Tennessee State University and the Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center at Meharry Medical College.

“It just kind of struck me how our attitudes on freedom have changed and our moral base has changed,” he said. “I deal with kids every day. As I’ve dealt with kids over the years, I saw a change in their respect for adults and leadership. … I thought, ‘We’re going in the wrong direction.’”

Taylor said his thinking on morality comes from a biblical and historical perspective, but is applicable to present-day society.

“I think our moral base is starting to degrade to the point that we’re becoming a country that’s going to implode,” he said.

Though Taylor said the students at his school don’t typically exhibit bad behavior, he has noticed a decline in ethical standards across the board ranging from the teenagers he works with at Marietta High to their adult parents.

“I ask myself the question, ‘Am I the only one seeing this?’ Because the kids are our future,” Taylor said. “As generations go by, I see more kids raising themselves. ... What disturbs me is parents who have a lackluster interest in their own kids.”

The assistant principal, whose background includes working with the Georgia Department of Education on statewide standardized testing, said the purpose of the book isn’t to offer any answers, because he doesn’t believe there are any simple solutions.

“It brings to light that we need ongoing dialogue about certain things we see in society,” he said. “The book seeks to create dialogue with readers to see if they can make a difference in their own community.”

The author said he plans to turn the book into a series on morality, potentially turning to his background as a son of a single mother and his family’s history in the civil rights movement for future material.

“There were certain things I grew up seeing as a child that I promised myself as an adult that if I had the opportunity to make a change, I would,” he said.

The book can be purchased through Taylor’s website, www.moraldegradation.com, through Barnes & Noble’s website and on Amazon.com.

For the person that made the comment," if Dr. Taylor ever picked up a bible would know that moral degradation started before his time". Another person that has not read the book. The book is intitled, Paradis Lost: The Unraveling of American Morals. He is writing from a specific time in our history, and not the beginning of mandkind. Just Read, and you will not make such statements. And for as, Anonymous, it should be understood the country was started by someone, and of course, no human is totally morally upright in everything they do. That is why we make mistakes period. Whether moral or otherwise, and to try and make moral judgements concerning his parent, maybe correct in the way they decided to have children, but are you speaking from the view point you are perfectly moral? I think not, because we all fall short, so no one has the right to judge anyones' parents. We all have hour moral flaws. So to make comments concerning anyones parents is unfair since your parents are not perfectly moral either. Maybe his parents were liberal, isn't that what he is saying in his book? You just confirmed his topic by your comments.

intitled? Do you mean entitled? Paradis? Do you mean Paradise? Concerning his parent? He had two parents according to how children are made, didn't he? Hour flaws? Well, yes, we all have flaws, but they don't vary by hour. We own them as in "our flaws."

critique

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May 24, 2013

To Anonymous:

We are sorry about your inferiority complex, and your need to point out others' spelling mistakes.

However, to those of us who don't really care about your personal issues, your ridiculous critiques on another's spelling are more irritating and disrupting than the mistakes themselves. What do you do for an encore--punctuation?

Please don't. (Oh my, I hope I spelled that right)

efsigh other

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May 21, 2013

If u or Taylor ever picked up a bible, moral collapse started with Adam and Eve, not in Taylor's lifetime.

The people posting assumptions concerning Dr. Taylor's book have clearly not read his book. He is not condemning anyone based on their sexual orientation, race, creed or color but provides a fresh perspective from a biblical view point how this country from its inception to present-day America, has become more liberal in its moral standard. He is not saying the moral base of America started degrading from his childhood, but from the inception of this great country. The very posting of such viral comments are exemplars his book has merit a and hits the nail on the head. A and for, "Tell Me it Ain't So", Dr. Taylor stated in his book it is not any child's fault for the degradation of American morals because, "they do not raise themselves". Dr. Taylor is a very intelligent individual and did not show favor in his classes no matter what race, religion or sexual preference you were. He is still that way if you really know him. He is a great role-model and an upright Christian man. So you people making those uncouth statements, either read his book, the bible, both or talk with Dr. Taylor himself. I'm sure you will be enlightened either way.

I have to laugh at such ignorance. This country has become more liberal in its moral standard since its inception. Where did the people come from that started this country? Degradation of American morals? Has Dr. Taylor read the Bible? I guess his own mother was a great role model in being a single parent and is an exception to moral degradation. How are his own mother and father not immoral and how are his own parents not liberal? I am enlightened by this person publishes a bunch of salami. If Dr. Taylor encompasses people that go against the Bible as moral degradation, then Dr. Taylor needs to respectfully include his own mother and father who taught unwed parenthood is okay, and the child of unwed parents can write a book about moral degradation without being a hypocrite against his own parents. The only thing I see as uncouth is people that hold themselves as being couth, whatever that means. I don't need to talk to Dr. Taylor. The very things he speaks against are part of his family history.

Nerve

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May 18, 2013

The people posting assumptions concerning Dr. Taylor's article have clearly not read his book. He is not condemning anyone based on their sexual orientation, race, creed or color but provides a fresh perspective from a biblical stand point how this country from its inception to present-day America, has become more liberal in its moral standard. He is not saying the moral base of America started degrading from his childhood, but from the inception of this country. The very posting of such viral comments are exemplars his book has merit and hits the nail on the head. And for, "Tell Me it Ain't So, Dr.Taylor stated in his book it is not any child's fault for the degradation of American morals because, "they do not raise themselves". Dr.Taylor is a very intelligent individual and did not show favor in his classes no matter what race, religion or sexual preference you were. He is still that way if you really know him. He is a great role model and an upright Christian man, so you people making those uncouth statements, either read his book, the bible, both or talk to Dr.Taylor himself. I'm sure you would be enlightened either way.

I didn’t realize that the MCS doesn’t recognize sexual orientation as part of the school system’s anti-discriminatory policy. I personally believe that MSC should consider amending the sytem’s policy. Sexual orientation discrimination and harassment is a problem that deserves the careful attention of every school district, including MCS. If the district addresses the issue as a matter of safety and fairness, and appropriately engages the community in policy discussions, it can foster learning and working environment, where all are treated equitably and with tolerance and respect. The district can also reduce the potential for liability by promoting an awareness of discrimination based on sexual orientation, and help district and school staff recognize, prevent, and effectively respond to this problem. Maybe we should ask Dr. Taylor to use his writing skills to help draft this document.

He has already proclaimed his stance on homosexuality in a chapter in his book.

Butter Fly

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May 16, 2013

Congratulation Dr. Taylor I am extremely proud of your accomplishment. Keep your head up and continue to stand tall as you always have. This is just the beginning of receiving comments from people who just don't understand nor can relate to your success. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but the book need to be read prior to posting illiterate thoughts and comments.

You who wrote "Congratulation" instead of "Congratulations" and "the book need to be read" instead of "the book needs to be read" are calling someone else illiterate?

Yahhhhh

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May 16, 2013

If this book is something more than "I am old and don't realize I viewed the world through the lens of childhood when I was a child and instead have come to believe the world is crumbling around me," then the MDJ completely missed "reporting" it in this article.

In the article, it states that Dr. Taylor has served 22 years in the school system. One might wonder that after serving 22 years, he might have been a principal somewhere by now. Is the man not qualified?

Ms. Price you said Morals do not revolve around anyone it revolves around everyone, obviously yours eroded somewhere early on in life, which is why you feel as though you do..I would suggest, if I may, that you read the "actual" book before "judging" (who are we to judge anyway?)

Well, Ms. Price what gives you the right to judge someone by telling them their morals eroded somewhere early on in life which is why they feel as they do, then go on in the second breath to say who are we to judge anyway?

I applaud all who buy this trash. At least you are honest in your hypocrisy.

I have to ask this. If in your opinion America is currently going in the wrong direction in today's times, what direction was it going in many years ago when you were raised by a single mother with no father around? You said you saw things as a child that you wanted to change. Why do you blame today's youth and parents of youth today on the moral degradation of America? That started way back when you were born.

Equating morality and homosexuality is a dangerous thing, especially for a high school administrator. We must begin the conversation in the deep south that sexual orientation is predetermined and to continue degrading individuals about their sexuality will only continue the trend of high suicide rates of teenagers because of their sexuality. If Dr. Taylor were to put his education to use, he should be writing about inclusion of all as those who believed in the rights of all did for African-Americans 40 years ago in the south.

To state that the sexual preference of a person is leading to the moral decay and is detrimental to the well-being of society is alarming. I am concerned that Dr. Taylor, a member of the administration in the Marietta City High School, is making such statements. What ever happened to separation of church and state? Dr. Taylor is encouraging and promoting his values and religious beliefs. The article blatantly references his association to the Marietta City School System. I believe that every student deserves the opportunity to go to school without fear of being harassed. I pray that Dr. Taylor’s views don’t influence the student body and have negative repercussions. School administrators should be building positive identities and a respect for differences. As a parent I want our children to grow up in a world free from bias and discrimination, to reach for their dreams and feel that whatever they want to accomplish in life is possible. MSC employees should be fostering an environment of respect of all humanity, regardless of sexual orientation.

Wonderful, I plan on picking up this book! Thank you for having the courage to speak the truth, and for influencing so many young people. I agree, pretty much gone are the days of repect your parents/elders, love your country and morals. The comment by "I'm Old" certainly proved the reason for your book! Good luck and God bless you!

S. Creason, the decline of young people of a strong religious base is the eye witnessing of the strong religious base preaching one thing and doing another. Youth are not to blame for the decline; it is youth seeing what their elders DID as opposed to what their elders are PREACHING that is causing the decline. Of 20 families on one street I know of, 18 of those are born of the same single parent household as Mr. Taylor. Perhaps Mr. Taylor needs to rethink who he is preaching to and change it from youth and young adults to himself, his own mother, and his own elders. They set the example in which to follow. American morals collapsed over 50 years ago. Just that things were "kept in the closet" then. That doesn't mean morals weren't corrupt then. They were. By ALL races, and this is not a race thing. It is just that now people don't "hide in the closet" anymore. People today are honest about their failures and shortcomings. I bet Mr. Taylor doesn't include his own single mother in the category of moral collapse. Of course not.

K. Taylor

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May 15, 2013

In response to the another comment, I'm pretty sure that segregation and Jim Crow laws, to name a few things, were not moral because THAT is what was going on when MY FATHER, THE Author of the fabulous book, was born. If you don't know your history you are doomed to repeat it! That's one lesson you can learn from reading this book! You clearly, as the person who commented on your comment stated, missed the entire purpose of this article and the book that is being talked about. So, with that being said, you may go to back to the article, find the link to my Fathers website and go to it, purchase and then read the book. Once you finish you may come back and see and understand what ignorance you put in your comment. Oh and while you're doing that feel free to continue to talk about the book! Because all promotion is great promotion! Thanks!! :-D

To my Father! Continue to be the greatest Role Model Marietta City Schools has ever seen! You are a secret weapon they need to more time into! I love you and I am incredibly PROUD of you!!

I assume if this man has worked in schools for 22 years, he is in his 40s -- 22 at best to graduate from college then 22 years working equals 44. He said, "potentially turning to his background as a son of a single mother." That tells me this book is hogwash. Something was going on with morality over 40 years ago by his own account.

anonymous

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May 16, 2013

You DO know your history and people are repeating it. I don't see an ounce of respect your father supposedly taught you that he says is lack of respect for adults that you called someone you don't even know ignorant just because they voiced their own individual opinion. What do you mean by, "You are a secret weapon they need to more time into." First, that sentence doesn't make sense. Second, that is scary calling someone a weapon. My op and I have the right to have it. The writer of this book failed to teach his own offspring not to type disrespectful and hateful comments. I call that the pot calling the kettle a name when both are equally wrong. See ya' at the dollar store where this book belongs.

R.Turner

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May 15, 2013

Congrats Mr. Taylor! Will have to purchase this and get a good read in!

In response to "I'm Old" I realize that you are entitled to your opinion, however Dr. Taylor is entitled to his as well, and he named the book exactly what he wanted to... Morality has been and always will be an integral part of our human existence(it began with God). Morals do not revolve around anyone it revolves around everyone, obviously yours eroded somewhere early on in life, which is why you feel as though you do..I would suggest, if I may, that you read the "actual" book before "judging" (who are we to judge anyway?) and then maybe you did read it, apparently without understanding. Let us stop being negative towards others who are only trying to suggest and/or resolve some of the problems with the children of today. If someone is trying to help, let them. The youth of today are our futures, let us be the example and not the problem ourselves..WORD OF THE DAY: MORAL(S) ...LOOK IT UP !!!!

frogbreath

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May 15, 2013

@Church Streeter-

The article did not sail high over I'm Old's head--it whistled through the empty space between his/her ears.

His/her post illustates that Dr. Taylor is telling it as it is.

I'm Old and Young

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May 16, 2013

Don't let people get you down, "I'm Old." I totally agree with you. This man admits he is the product of a single mother (well, no one is the product of a single anything; two people were there to conceive him). Morality was not just fine when he was a child. If morality was just fine then, why is he the product of a single mother? I also disagree that young people are going "down the drain." The young people I know respect their parents and their elders. Another title to consider is, "I'm Young and the World IS Different Today, but People Like Dr. Taylor Try To Keep Me Living in the Perfect (Not) Past."

Whaaaaa?

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May 16, 2013

Ms. Price. This man admits he is the product of an unwed union of two people. You said, "WORD OF THE DAY: MORAL(S) ...LOOK IT UP !!!!" I say, "Hypocrite ... LOOK IT UP !!!"

anonymous

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May 16, 2013

Clearly Church St., this article sailed completely over your head. So things were just peachy morally perfect 50 years ago. Not. People today learned their morals from the grandparents of yesteryear and the parents of yesteryear. They were the ones that taught unwed parenthood, etc. is okay. You reap what you sow, and Taylor cannot blame today's youth. They are just doing what they saw their own grandparents and parents do. By admission, the author's own daughter spoke out here calling someone ignorant. How much more disrespectful can you get than that? The author didn't teach his own offspring to be respectful, yet he accuses other parents? Outrage. Pure outrage.

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